Guilin and Guizhou minority tour with Li River cruise

Your local guide and driver will meet you upon your arrival in Guilin. They will help you reach your hotel. Once checked in you can rest up or explore the neighborhood with your guide’s help or on your own.

Start your trip with a relaxing 4-hour cruise along the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo. This section winds through what is considered the most beautiful section of the river, so have your cameras ready. While you may think 4 hours is a short time, it covers all the highlights of the from beautiful waters to the majestic mountains. You will have lunch on board.

Upon arrival Yangshuo, be picked up and transferred to the hotel. In the afternoon you could choose to ride bicycle/bamboo rafting to enjoy the nice countryside views along the Yulong river also as well the rural life in China, you will have a chance to visit local family during the tour.  Overnight at Yangshuo.

Another morning in Yangshuo we gonna suggest you hike at the lower reaches of Yulong river. If you don’t want to hike, then we can arrange you to have a visit to 800-year-old town -Fuli old town which is only 8km from Yangshuo town and is very famous for the typical colorful fans and scroll paintings. Stroll around the ancient town and enjoy the beautiful Li river landscape.

In the afternoon drive about 40 minutes to visit Xianggong hill (Husband Mountain), it takes about 15 minutes to the top of the hill where you will be amazed by the breathtaking view of Li River and the surrounded Karst mountain peaks.

Then head to Longji Rice Terraces for the splendid rice terraces and local ethnic minority villages, the drive takes roughly 3 hours, on the way enjoy the nice mountain range views. Overnight at Ping’an village. 

Longsheng, home to some of the most spectacular terraced rice patties in all of China. The highlight and perhaps most famous of all is Longji Rice Terraces which translates into the “Dragon’s Backbone”. When you stand on the top of the dragon and look down on the fields below you can clearly see the dragon’s backbone twisting off into the distance. An image not soon to be forgotten and a testament to the Chinese farmer.

From nature to culture as you head from Longsheng into Pingan Village. Pingan is home of Zhuang Minority and the Zhuang Minority still keeps their traditional dress and language to this day. You will find that the Zhuang people are very different from Han Chinese.

Spend the whole day to hike around at the Ping’an village to enjoy the rice terraces views and visit local minority villages. There are several hiking trails that you can choose depending on your physical condition, it could last from 1 hour up to 5 hours. So just tell your guide what you want, then he can recommend you the options. Spending the night in Pingan Village is a high point of the trip and provides an opportunity to learn and talk with locals in a more relaxed environment.

Morning drive to Sanjiang, where you will visit the famous Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge in Sanjiang, a stunning architectural masterpiece blending traditional Chinese elements into one structure. Built in 1916, this unique footbridge combines elements of a painting, bridge, corridor, veranda, and pavilion, all crafted from stone, wood, and tile. It’s a remarkable example of old-fashioned Chinese construction that continues to captivate visitors.

Next, head to the Mapang Drum Tower, one of the most significant and well-preserved drum towers of the Dong People. Located near Mapang Village, this structure holds cultural and historical importance. Although the original Qing Dynasty tower was damaged, it has been carefully rebuilt, most recently in 1943, to preserve its legacy.

In the afternoon, drive about 2 hours to Zhaoxing. Upon arrival, visit the Tang’an Dong Village, located approximately 6 km (4 mi) east of Zhaoxing. Completed during the Qing Dynasty, Tang’an offers a unique perspective compared to other Dong villages. The distinctiveness of its structures is best appreciated from an aerial view, where you’ll see the variety in roof shapes and architectural designs. Your guide will explain these differences and their cultural significance.

Overnight in Zhaoxing.

Start your day with a visit to Zhaoxing Dong Village, one of the oldest and largest Dong villages in Guizhou. Home to over 800 households and more than 4,000 inhabitants, this village is a vital cultural hub for the Dong people. Residents still honor their ancestral traditions by living in traditional wooden houses, wearing homemade clothing, and engaging in singing and dancing, just as their forebears have for centuries.

After exploring the Dong Village, drive about 1.5 hours to Congjiang, where you’ll visit the Basha Miao Minority Village. This unique village preserves the full essence of Miao culture, reminiscent of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The experience offers a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era, with its residents maintaining traditions that feel like stepping back in time.

When ready, embark on a 2-hour drive to Rongjiang, where you’ll spend the night.

After breakfast, travel 23 km (14 mi) to the Dali Dong People’s Village, where the iconic Dong drum tower stands proudly amidst a sea of tiled rooftops in the valley. This unique and picturesque scene is a photographer’s dream, offering countless opportunities to capture its beauty.

Continue your journey with a 2-hour drive to Leishan, where you’ll visit two fascinating Miao villages with contrasting traditions: Datang Short Skirt Village and Langde Long Skirt Village. In Datang, women and girls wear vibrant mini-skirts year-round, showcasing their bold cultural identity. In Langde, the women are known for their elegant long skirts, which reflect the village’s distinct heritage. Both villages offer a vivid display of the intricate clothing and rich traditions of the Miao Minority group, making them a highlight of the tour.

Afterward, drive to Kaili for overnight.

Start the day with a drive to Matang Gejia Village, a settlement of the Gejia ethnic group. Here, you’ll witness their unique batik dyeing techniques, an intricate process where patterns are skillfully created on fabric using wax and dye. This traditional craft, passed down through generations, provides a fascinating and intimate glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Gejia people.

Next, visit Shiqiao Miao Village, known for its ancient paper making techniques. Watch skilled artisans demonstrate the centuries-old process of creating handmade paper from tree bark, an important cultural practice that has shaped Miao traditions.

Afterward, continue to the Gaoyao Rice Terraces, considered one of China’s top 10 most beautiful rice terraces. Admire the breathtaking views of cascading terraces that stretch across the hills, a remarkable testament to the ingenuity and harmony of local farming practices.

In the evening, arrive in Guiyang and check into your hotel for an overnight stay. 

Today, your driver will transfer you safely to Guiyang Airport or train station for your departure. If you’re planning to continue your trip in Guizhou or visit another city in China, WindhorseTour specializes in multi-city trips and is here to assist with your travel plans—no obligation and no pressure. Safe travels!